Tony Award-Winning Broadway Star Gavin Creel Passes Away at 48

Tony Award-Winning Broadway Star Gavin Creel Passes Away at 48

Tony Award-winning Broadway veteran Gavin Creel, known for his roles in productions such as “Hello, Dolly!”, “Waitress”, and “The Book of Mormon”, has passed away at the age of 48. His representative, Matt Polk, confirmed that Creel died at his Manhattan home on Monday, as stated by his partner, Alex Temple Ward.

Creel had been battling a rare and aggressive form of sarcoma since July 2024, receiving treatment at Memorial Sloan Kettering, according to the obituary provided by his representative.

A Celebrated Career on Stage

Born in Findlay, Ohio, Gavin Creel made his Broadway debut in 2002 with his breakout role as Jimmy Smith in “Thoroughly Modern Millie,” which earned him his first Tony Award nomination for Best Actor in a Musical. This marked the beginning of an illustrious career that saw him shine both on Broadway and in London’s West End.

Creel earned a second Tony nomination in 2009 for his performance as Claude Hooper Bukowski in the Broadway revival of “Hair.” His work in the West End production of “The Book of Mormon” in 2014 won him the prestigious Olivier Award for Best Actor in a Musical. However, it was his portrayal of Cornelius Hackl in the 2017 Broadway revival of “Hello, Dolly!”—alongside Bette Midler and David Hyde Pierce—that earned Creel his first Tony Award.

During his 2017 Tony acceptance speech, Creel expressed gratitude to his alma mater, the University of Michigan School of Music, Theatre & Dance, noting that his education there “changed his life forever.”

Tributes Pour In

The Broadway community and Creel’s friends were deeply affected by his passing. Hannah Waddingham, star of “Ted Lasso” and a fellow stage actress, shared her shock on Instagram, writing, “My heart is achingly heavy for you tonight, my friend. I’m so sad that you were taken so soon. I will never forget you as long as I breathe.”

Creel’s collaborations with Sara Bareilles, who was referred to as his “kindred artistic spirit” in his obituary, were particularly meaningful. He portrayed Dr. Pomatter in the Broadway production of “Waitress” in 2019 and reprised the role on the West End in 2020. In 2022, Creel and Bareilles reunited in the Broadway revival of “Into the Woods,” solidifying their bond on stage.

A Life Filled with Joy and Passion

Creel’s obituary praised his vibrant personality and deep passion for his craft: “Gavin lived his life with joy, integrity, humor, wit, and grace. His sparkling presence and generous nature will be deeply missed by all who knew and loved him.”

Creel is survived by his parents, Nancy Clemens Creel and James William Creel, his sisters, his partner Alex Temple Ward, and his beloved dog, Nina.